The U.S. hasn't always gotten the best deal when negotiating for "free trade" with other countries.  It is clear that there are major problems with previous free trade agreements.  While I favor the concept of free trade, this does not mean that we should "give away the store" to get it.  We must have trade agreements that are fair to American workers.

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick is headed in the wrong direction with his recent proposal to remove tariffs on Latin American textiles and apparel.  The textile industry in Tennessee and the Southeast has been hard hit by unfair competition from low wages in foreign countries and we must make sure that these workers are protected. 

I want to make sure that any effort to level the playing field around the world does not lower the standard of living for hard working folks in Tennessee. I will continue working hard to make sure we keep jobs at home.